http://blog.portcitychurch.org/wp-admin/post.php?post=3554&action=editAMENDMENT ONE:
(Below is the actual amendment and the constitutional change so you can read them for yourself.)
Ballot Language
The language that voters will see on the ballot reads:
“Constitutional amendment to provide that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State.”
Constitutional Changes
If approved, the proposed measure would amend Article 14 of the North Carolina Constitution by adding a new section:
Sec. 6. Marriage.
Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This section does not prohibit a private party from entering into contracts with another private party; nor does this section prohibit courts from adjudicating the rights of private parties pursuant to such contracts.
RESPONSE TO AMENDMENT ONE
In October 2011, I taught a series on marriage entitled, “MARRIAGE: WHY BOTHER?” I opened the series by talking about the importance of marriage and understanding marriage in light of increasing indifference about the necessity of marriage. People were starting to look at marriage and say, “why bother?”
It is important to understand what marriage is in order to understand its importance. At the time, I had no idea we would be faced with Amendment 1.
You can view the whole series here: https://vimeo.com/channels/marriagewhybother
I do not typically address political issues but rather I try to address the way we deal with the issues we face. I recognize that Godly men and women can walk with Christ and have differing opinions regarding political policy.
I have decided to address Amendment 1 for two reasons:
- First, the definition of marriage is primarily a theological issue. Marriage is a gift from God to humanity. He has called a man and a woman together as one as a reflection of the oneness of His character (Deuteronomy 6:4). The way a husband is to love his wife and the way a wife responds to her husband is to be an expression of the covenant relationship between God and His people (Ephesians 5:22-33).
- Second, you will be asked to make a decision about marriage as you vote on Tuesday. There is so much information swirling around Amendment 1 that must be sorted out. I did not want anyone who is a part of our church to have to wonder what the Bible said about this issue. The truth is that God created marriage and it is clearly defined. The Biblical position is not difficult to discern.
I process issues like this through the filter of this statement: God created life and He alone gets to define it. This is a foundational conviction that drives me personally and our church corporately.
We have the freedom to make up and create nearly anything we want, but we do not have the right to redefine that which we did not create!
If God created life, then He alone gets to define it. The same holds true for marriage. The Bible defines marriage very clearly: Marriage is a Covenant Relationship between a man and a woman given fully & freely to one another under the authority of God and in submission to Christ.
We have heard that this Amendment will harm children and take away protections from victims of domestic violence. I see no need to sort through the arguments about the impact of Amendment 1 here; you can research these claims easily enough, as you should.
What saddens me deeply is the fact that our debate is based on the irresponsible application of the amendment and not the amendment itself.
The fact that we would use this amendment (or any amendment or law for that matter) to justify or defend domestic violence or harming children is not a problem with the law. Rather, it reveals that the problem is in the way we practice and apply our laws. And until we deal with this, the truth will always be secondary.
I will not tell our congregation how they should vote, but I am compelled to help our congregation understand what the Bible says.
On Tuesday, you will be faced with a choice. The choice will be whether or not you want our state constitution to define marriage as one man and one woman. You will process this decision based on your own personal Biblical convictions and your philosophy of government.
I have clearly stated the Biblical position regarding the definition of marriage. You will have to decide what you believe the government’s role should be in protecting the sanctity of marriage, and that is an issue for you to wrestle through.
The bottom line is this: If you think our state constitution should include a definition of marriage between one man and one woman, then vote for the amendment. If you think our state constitution should not define marriage as one man and one woman, then vote against it.
I value the unity of our church far more than any governmental issue or political party, but the foundation of our unity is the truth of God. One will not survive without the other.
So I am asking you to do four things:
- Research the Issue. Get beyond the hype to the facts.
- Mine for the Truth. Determine how you will apply the Truth to this issue.
- Pray. Ask God for wisdom and discernment. Trust His guidance.
- Vote Accordingly.
Our mission is to reach people and help them walk with God – every person. I understand there is potential for division surrounding this issue, but the truth is that we were here before this Amendment and we will be here after the dust has settled. My aim is to be faithful to the teachings of the Bible and my call as a pastor in this city. Whatever the outcome, I will trust God. We will continue to extend a hand and provide a place for people to hear and experience the grace of Jesus Christ.
May 7, 2012
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